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Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)

College of Education

The Master's of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) prepares students to help children and adults cope with difficult life events such as physical illness, death of loved ones, and relationship problems or divorce. It also shows students how to diagnose and manage serious mental illnesses and obtain resources and support. The intensive, field-based curriculum prepares every candidate to work democratically with diverse individuals and families. The program satisfies academic requirements for licensure as a professional counselor and clinical professional counselor in the State of Illinois. It also meets the academic requirements for national certification in mental health counseling (CCMHC) and for national counselor certification (NCC).

ExpectationsOutcomesFacultyTestimonialsAdmission RequirementsRelated Programs
Roosevelt University's Wabash tower and Auditorium building in Chicago


Location: Chicago
Start Term: Fall
Program Type: Master's

At the heart of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a commitment to helping people meet life's challenges — a core value of Roosevelt University. Counseling students complete intensive internships at local counseling and community agencies during the final year of study, and apply their knowledge gained in class to the real world. Plus, our nationally accredited program offers annual opportunities to travel abroad for international conferences and enables licensure beyond Illinois. The Roosevelt Counseling Association — a highly active student organization — fosters strong connections with classmates and future colleagues.

Roosevelt University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs — the standard for excellence in the counseling profession. 

Expectations & Requirements

Standards

You’ll develop the skills needed to foster growth in your child and adult clients, and you’ll lead proactively in community mental health agencies. You can expect focused and practical assignments, engaging and intensive discussions and small group projects, and multiple opportunities to complete field experiences that dovetail with individual goals and career aspirations. You’ll also be prepared for state licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification.

Sample Courses

  • Career & Lifestyle Development
  • Theories & Dynamics of Group Counseling
  • Practicum: Beginning Clinical Practice
  • Internship: Mental Health Counseling
View Academic Catalog

Outcomes

A Growing Sector
Employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014-24, much faster than average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Leaders in the Field
Alumni have gone on to become leaders at clinical mental health agencies such as Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, Live Oak Chicago, Trilogy Behavior Healthcare, Thresholds, Presence Behavioral Health and Anixter Center.
A Record of Success
2015-16 Statistics
Number of Graduates 21
3-Year Completion Rate 80%
Licensure/Certification Examination Pass Rate 93%
Job Placement Rate 92%

Testimonials

Student in front of bookshelves
"At Roosevelt, I’m surrounded by a strong and consistent unit of support every day. From my peers and other members of the Roosevelt Counseling Association, to my professors and faculty advisors, I always have a community of encouragement and understanding."
Angelica Marrufo - ​Clinical Mental Health Counseling '17
Dennis Frank
"I include a large self-growth and understanding component to my classes because in order to be effective and competent counselors, students need to have an understanding of their own issues and triggers. These lessons are just as important as a practical understanding of core counseling concepts and techniques."
Dennis Frank
Associate Professor of Counseling and Program Director,
Admission
Chicago skyline

  • Online Application
  • $40 Application Fee
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities within the United States. Coursework completed outside the U.S. requires a Foreign Credential Evaluation to be submitted.
  • Letter of Intent outlining your personal and professional goals, why you are interested in the program, and how it will help you achieve your goals. Also, please address how you became interested in a counseling career and what is it that you hope to accomplish as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
  • English Language Proficiency: All international students and individuals who completed a degree program outside the United States are required to meet this requirement. 
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